Apparatus for fastening a shoe

ABSTRACT

A fastening apparatus for a shoe including an adjustable gap with two sides and a fastener with two elements, wherein one fastener element is attached to the first side of the adjustable gap. At least one lace is threaded through holes along the two sides of the adjustable gap, and two ends of the lace are fastened together between the second fastening element and the second side of the adjustable gap. The lace is threaded at one end through an opening in the second fastener element and forms at least one lace segment that extends from the second fastener element to the second side of the adjustable gap, and at least one lace segment extends from the second side of the adjustable gap to the first side of the adjustable gap. The two ends of the at least one lace may be fastened together by a knot. For tightening the shoe, the second fastener element is pulled towards the first side of the adjustable gap, and is attached to the first fastener element for keeping the shoe fastened.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/976,104, filed Oct. 22, 2007, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus that provides an easy andquick method of fastening a shoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The conventional means of fastening a shoe with laces that needed to betied is difficult to operate for many people with disabilities or forpeople that have difficulty bending over to access the instep of theshoe. Many solutions for fastening shoes that do not utilize lacesinstead include buckles or straps with a hook-and-loop fastening system,commonly known as Velcro®. However, in some shoes, such as sneakers, thestrap closure does not look attractive. In addition, many users do notlike to wear shoes that they perceive to be specially made for thehandicapped, and many users simply prefer the look of the conventionallacing system.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,081,916 to Salisbury, U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,761 toMahood, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,482 to Torppey, respectively, disclosemethods that combine laces with a hook-and-loop fastening system. Aseries of parallel laces that extend through the eyelets in the shoeflap on one side of the shoe-access-opening are attached to an elongatedclosure flap having hook-and-loop elements on its underside. In Mahood,the laces are secured beneath those same eyelets, and in Salisbury andTorppey, the laces are secured to the eyelets in the other shoe flap.Pulling the flap across the shoe-access-opening towards the other sideof the shoe-access-opening tightens the shoe, and the closure flap issecured to the shoe via mating hook-and-loop elements on the uppersurface of the other shoe flap. One drawback to all these systems isthat the elongated flap affects the design and the appearance of theshoe, making the shoe look cumbersome. Another drawback is that, in allthese systems, the laces lie across the shoe-access-opening, not in acriss-cross pattern, and thus do not have the appearance of atraditional lacing system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,683 to Freed discloses a lacing system for a shoethat also combines laces with a strap, and is based on one elongatedlace loop that forms four lace segments that extend from a strap on oneside of the shoe, through several lace openings on that side's shoeflap, and criss-cross each other over the shoe-access-opening.Alternatively, the one elongated lace loop forms two lace segments thatextend from a strap on each side of the shoe, through several laceopenings on both shoe flaps, and criss-cross each other over theshoe-access-opening. When the straps are pulled, the multiple lacesegments move through all the eyelets and tighten theshoe-access-opening.

One major drawback to U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,683 is that it does not offera solution to shoes with fewer than four pairs of eyelets, since thissystem requires at least three middle lace segments, and at least twobottom lace segments that criss-cross the shoe-access-opening. Inaddition, the plethora of lace segments criss-crossing over one anotherlends the show a cluttered and messy appearance. Another drawback isthat this system is susceptible to high friction, which is caused by theconfiguration of the lace system, wherein some lace segments extend fromthe eyelets in a narrow angle, increasing the pressure and frictionbetween the laces and the eyelets. The high friction makes it difficultto pull the lace through all the eyelets and prevents some lace segmentsfrom moving freely, resulting in shoe-access-opening that may not betightened evenly, and may lead to laces tearing or wearing out morefrequently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a low frictionapparatus for fastening a shoe that can be easily tightened by the user.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide for anapparatus for easily fastening a shoe that can be used by people withdifficulties fastening and tying a conventional lacing system.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide for anapparatus for fastening a shoe, which can be applied to shoes withdifferent number of eyelets.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for anapparatus for fastening a shoe, wherein the bottom element of theshoe-access-opening has the general appearance of a shoe withconventional lacing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a shoe, having two eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and one eyelet on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the two laces and the second fastenerelement before the laces are secured to the second fastener element.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the two laces and the second fastenerelement after the laces are secured to the second fastener element;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 1 inthe fastened position;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a shoe, having two eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and one eyelet on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative in accordance with analternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a shoe, having two eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and two eyelets on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative hi accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a shoe, having three eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and two eyelets on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 7 inthe fastened position;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a shoe, having three eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and two eyelets on the first side of theadjustable gap constructed and operative in accordance with analternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a shoe, having four eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and three eyelets on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 10in the fastened position;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a shoe, having four eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and three eyelets on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative in accordance with analternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 12in the fastened position;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a shoe, having five eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and four eyelets on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 14in the fastened position;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a shoe, having five eyelets on the secondside of the adjustable gap and four eyelets on the first side of theadjustable gap, constructed and operative in accordance with analternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, two eyelets onsecond side and one eyelet on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 17in the fastened position;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a shoe, having two laces, two eyelets onsecond side and one eyelet on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, two eyelets onsecond side and one eyelet on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, two eyelets onsecond side and one eyelet on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 21in the fastened position;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, two eyelets onsecond side and two eyelets on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, three eyelets onsecond side and two eyelets on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 24in the fastened position;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a shoe, having two laces, three eyelets onsecond side and two eyelets on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 27 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, three eyelets onsecond side and two eyelets on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 28 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 27in the fastened position;

FIG. 29 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, four eyelets onsecond side and three eyelets on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 30 is an illustration of a shoe, having two laces, four eyelets onsecond side and three eyelets on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 31 is an illustration of a shoe, having one lace, four eyelets onsecond side and three eyelets on first side of the adjustable gap,constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 32 is an illustration of the adjustable gap of the shoe of FIG. 31in the fastened position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a shoe 1 with afastening system constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that,while only a right shoe is shown and discussed throughout thisdisclosure, one skilled in the art will recognize that the variousembodiments of the fastening system can be easily incorporated into aleft shoe as well as into other articles of footwear such as sneakers,sandals, boots, skates, slippers, etc.

It should be also noted that, while FIG. 1 shows the first side of theshoe access opening as adjacent to the outside of the shoe, and thesecond side of the shoe access opening as adjacent to the inside (orarch side) of the shoe, one skilled in the art will recognize that thereferences herein to first side and second side are merely forconvenience of reference and that the disclosures herein apply equallywhere the second side is adjacent to the outside of the shoe and thefirst side is adjacent to the inside (or arch side) of the shoe.

The shoe comprises an adjustable gap in the instep area, which is usedas the shoe-access-opening for tightening and loosening the shoe on thewearer's foot, including first side 2, second side 3, bottom side 4, andopen top side 5.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second side of the adjustable gapcomprises two openings, and the first side comprises one opening.Examples for such openings are holes, eyelets, buckles and loops.

Elements 6 and 9 illustrate two parts of a fastener, wherein a firstfastener element 6 is attached to the first side of the shoe, and asecond fastener element 6 is attached to the laces, as described below.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the twofastener elements 6 and 9 comprise two mating elements, such as clips,buckles, snaps, buttons or a hook and a loop system (such as Velcro®),for locking the two elements to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two laces7 and 8 each are attached at their proximal ends to second fastenerelement 9. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example of the attachment oflaces 7 and 8 to second fastener element 9, which allows the user toadjust the usable length of the laces according to the wearer's footsize. FIG. 2 shows the bottom of second fastener element 9, wherein thetwo laces are threaded through holes defined in fastener element 9, andwherein the usable length of each lace can be adjusted. Once the desiredusable lace length is attained, each lace is affixed to second fastenerelement 9, for example by being looped twice through the holes and tiedwith a knot, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The two laces 7 and 8 extend from second fastener element 9 to thesecond side of the adjustable gap. According to one embodiment of thepresent invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the two laces 7 and 8 arethreaded through eyelets in the second side of the adjustable gap. Lace7 extends from the second side to the first side of the adjustable gap,forming lace segment 7 a, which bridges the adjustable gap, and thedistal end of lace 7 is attached to the first side of the adjustablegap. The distal end of second lace 8 is attached to the second side ofthe adjustable gap.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 the attachment of the distal ends of laces 7and 8 to the respective sides of the adjustable gap may be achieved byaffixing the ends of the laces 7 and 8 directly to eyelets at therespective sides of the adjustable gap, e.g., by being knotted thereto,or may be threaded through the eyelets and affixed to an article behindthe eyelet whose passage through the eyelet is prevented due to itssize, as is well known in the art.

For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, freeends of laces 7,8 and lace segment 7 a. As illustrated in FIG. 4, byfastening fastener element 9 to fastener element 6, the contraction isretained.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein the distal ends of laces 7(at the distal end of segment 7 a) and 8 are connected to each other atthe bottom side of the adjustable gap, forming lace segment 11. In thisembodiment, laces 7 and 8 are actually one long lace, whose two ends,both now proximal, are affixed to second fastener element 9. Forfastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the first sideof the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and the secondside of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, free ends oflaces 7,8 and on lace segments 7 a and 11, and fastened to fastenerelement 6.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein both the second side andthe first side of the adjustable gap comprise two eyelets, a top eyeletand a bottom eyelet, and wherein the distal ends of both laces 7 and 8are attached on the first side of the adjustable gap. In thisembodiment, the distal end of lace 7 is still affixed to the bottomeyelet on the first side of the adjustable gap, but the distal end oflace 8 passes through the bottom eyelet on the second side and extendsfrom the second side to the first side of the adjustable gap, forminglace segment 8 a, which is attached to top eyelet on the first side ofthe adjustable gap. For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulledtowards the first side of the adjustable gap, causing contractionbetween the first side and the second side of the adjustable gap throughtension on the proximal, free ends of laces 7,8 and on lace segments 7 aand 8 a, and fastened to fastener element 6.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 1 but wherein thesecond side of the adjustable gap comprises three eyelets and the firstside comprises two eyelets. In this embodiment, the two separate laces 7and 8 extend from second fastener element 9 and through the top andmiddle eyelets in the second side of the adjustable gap, respectively,to the first side of the adjustable gap, forming segments 7 a and 8 a,which bridge the adjustable gap. The distal end of lace 8 is attached tothe bottom eyelet of the first side. Lace 7 is threaded through the topeyelet of the first side and extends back from the first side to thesecond side, forming segment 7 b, which bridges the adjustable gap, andthe distal end of lace 7 is attached to the bottom eyelet of the secondside.

For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, freeends of laces 7,8 and on lace segments 7 a, 7 b and 8 a. As illustratedin FIG. 8, by fastening fastener element 9 to fastener element 6, thecontraction is retained.

In an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 (not shown), the distalends of laces 7 and 8 (at the distal ends of segments 7 b and 8 a) areconnected to each other near the closed bottom side of the adjustablegap, forming a new lace segment 11, similar to lace segment 11 in FIG.5. In this embodiment, laces 7 and 8 are actually one long lace, whosetwo ends, both now proximal, are affixed to second fastener element 9.For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, freeends of laces 7,8 and on lace segments 7 a, 7 b, 8 a and 11, andfastened to fastener element 6.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which shows an alternative embodimentto FIG. 1, wherein the second side of the adjustable gap comprises threeeyelets, and the first side of the adjustable gap comprises two eyelets.In this embodiment, the shoe has three separate laces (e.g., 17, 18 and19), the proximal end of each of which is preferably attached asdescribed above to second fastener element 29, which mates with fastenerelement 26, attached to the first side of the shoe. The three laces 17,18 and 19 extend from fastener element 29 to the second side of theadjustable gap. According to one embodiment of the present invention,the top two laces 17 and 18 are threaded through the top two eyelets onthe second side of the adjustable gap, and extend from the second sideacross to the first side, forming lace segments 17 a and 18 acorrespondingly, which bridge the adjustable gap. The distal ends oflaces 17 and 18 are attached to the first side of the adjustable gap,and the distal end of lace 19 is attached to the second side of theadjustable gap, in the manner described above. For fastening the shoe,fastener element 29 is pulled towards the first side of the shoe,causing contraction between the first side and the second side of theadjustable gap through tension on the proximal, free ends of laces 17,18 and 19 and on lace segments 17 a and 18 a. By fastening fastenerelement 29 to fastener element 26, the contraction is retained.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 1 and 7 butwherein the second side of the adjustable gap comprises four eyelets,and the first side of the adjustable gap comprises three eyelets. Thetwo separate laces 7 and 8 extend from second fastener element 9 andthrough the top and second eyelets in the second side, respectively,across to the first side, forming segments 7 a and 8 a, which bridge theadjustable gap. Lace segment 7 a is threaded through the top eyelet ofthe first side, and extends from the first side back to the second side,forming segment 7 b. Segment 7 b is threaded through the third eyelet onthe second side, and extends again to the first side, forming lacesegment 7 c, and the distal end of lace 7 is attached to the first sideof the adjustable gap. Lace segment 8 a is threaded through an eyelet onthe first side, and extends from the first side back to the second side,forming segment 8 b, and the distal end of lace 8 is attached to thesecond side of the adjustable gap.

For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, freeends of laces 7,8 and on lace segments 7 a, 7 b,7 c, 8 a and 8 b. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, by fastening fastener element 9 to fastenerelement 6, the contraction is retained.

In an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 (not shown), the distalends of laces 7 and 8 (at the distal ends of segments 7 c and 8 b) areconnected to each other near the closed bottom side of the adjustablegap, forming a new lace segment 11, similar to lace segment 11 in FIG.5. In this embodiment, laces 7 and 8 are actually one long lace, whosetwo ends, both now proximal, are affixed to second fastener element 9.For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, freeends of laces 7,8 and on lace segments 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 8 a, 8 b and 11,and fastened to fastener element 6.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein the second side of theadjustable gap comprises four eyelets, and the first side of theadjustable gap comprises three eyelets. In this embodiment, the shoe hasfour separate laces 17, 18, 19 and 20, the proximal end of each of whichis preferably attached as described above to second fastener element 29,which mates with fastener element 26, attached to the first side of theshoe.

The four laces 17, 18, 19 and 20 extend from fastener element 29 to thesecond side of the adjustable gap. According to one embodiment of thepresent invention, the top three laces 17, 18 and 19 are threadedthrough the top three eyelets on the second side of the adjustable gap,and extend from the second side across to the first side, forming lacesegments 17 a, 18 a and 19 a correspondingly, which bridge theadjustable gap. The distal ends of laces 17, 18 and 19 are attached tothe first side of the adjustable gap, and the distal end of lace 20 isattached to the second side of the adjustable gap, in the mannerdescribed above.

For fastening the shoe, fastener element 29 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, freeends of laces 17, 18, 19 and 20 and on lace segments 17 a, 18 a and 19a. As illustrated hi FIG. 13, by fastening fastener element 29 tofastener element 26, the contraction is retained.

In an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 (not shown), the distalends of laces 19 (at the distal ends of segment 19 a) and 20 areconnected to each other near the closed bottom side of the adjustablegap, forming a new lace segment 11, similar to lace segment 11 in FIG.5. Thus, this embodiment uses three laces instead of four. In thisembodiment, laces 19 and 20 are actually one long lace, whose two ends,both now proximal, are affixed to second fastener element 29. Forfastening the shoe, fastener element 29 is pulled towards the first sideof the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and the secondside of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, free ends of17, 18, 19 and 20 and on lace segments 17 a, 18 a, 19 a and 11, andfastened to fastener element 26.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein the second side of theadjustable gap comprises five eyelets, and the first side of theadjustable gap comprises four eyelets. This embodiment of the inventionis similar to that of FIG. 12, except that lace segment 20 is threadedthrough the fourth eyelet on the second side of the adjustable gap, andextends to the first side of the adjustable gap, forming lace segment 20a, and the distal end of lace 20 is attached to the first side. Lacesegment 19 a is threaded through an eyelet on the first side of theadjustable gap, and extends back to the second side of the adjustablegap, forming lace segment 19 b, and the distal end of lace 19 isattached to the second side of the adjustable gap.

For fastening the shoe, fastener element 29 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, freeends of laces 17, 18, 19 and 20 and on lace segments 17 a, 18 a, 19 a,19 b and 20 a. As illustrated in FIG. 15, by fastening fastener element29 to fastener element 26, the contraction is retained.

Reference is now made to FIG. 16, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein the distal ends of laces 19and 20 (at the distal ends of segments 20 a and 19 b) are connected toeach other at the bottom side of the adjustable gap, forming new lacesegment 21. Thus, this embodiment uses three laces instead of four. Inthis embodiment, laces 19 and 20 are actually one long lace, whose twoends, both now proximal, are affixed to second fastener element 29. Forfastening the shoe, fastener element 29 is pulled towards the first sideof the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and the secondside of the adjustable gap through tension on the proximal, free ends of17, 18, 19 and 20 and on lace segments 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 19 b, 20 a and21, and fastened to fastener element 26.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, which is similar to that of FIG. 1but wherein a single lace is threaded through second fastener element 9,forming lace segments 7 and 8, which extend from second fastener element9 to the second side of the adjustable gap. According to one embodimentof the present invention, the two lace segments 7 and 8 are threadedthrough eyelets in the second side of the adjustable gap. Lace segment 7extends from the second side to the first side of the adjustable gap,forming lace segment 7 a, which bridges the adjustable gap, and thedistal end of lace segment 7 a is attached to the first side of theadjustable gap. The distal end of second lace segment 8 is attached tothe second side of the adjustable gap. As illustrated in FIG. 18, byfastening fastener element 9 to fastener element 6, the contractionbetween the first and second sides of the adjustable gap is retained.

Reference is now made to FIG. 19, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein the fastening apparatuscomprises two laces, one of which is threaded through second fastenerelement 9, forming lace segments 7′ and 8, which extends from secondfastener element 9 to the second side of the adjustable gap, and theother end of which is threaded through the top eyelet on the second sideof the adjustable gap, forming lace segments 7″ and 7 a, which extendsto the first side of the adjustable gap. The two lace segments 7′ and 7″are fastened together with a knot 10 that is situated in the regionbetween the second fastening element 9 and the top eyelet on the secondside of the adjustable gap. in place of lace segment 7 of FIG. 17. Thisenables the user to easily adjust the length of the lace to fit theuser's foot size, and allows second fastener element 9 to be betteraligned with first fastener element 6 when the shoe is fastened. Forfastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the first sideof the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and the secondside of the adjustable gap through tension on lace segments 7, 7 a, and8, and fastened to fastener element 6 (not shown). When fastener element9 is fastened to fastener element 6, knot 10 is generally situatedwithin the shoe-access-opening of the shoe, as is on standard lacedshoes.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein the fastening apparatuscomprises one single lace that is threaded through second fastenerelement 9, forming lace segments 7 and 8, both of which extend fromsecond fastener element 9 to the second side of the adjustable gap, andwherein the distal ends of lace segments 7 a and 8 are fastened togetherat the bottom side of the adjustable gap, forming lace segment 11. Forfastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the first sideof the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and the secondside of the adjustable gap through tension on lace segments 7, 7 a, 8and 11, and fastened to fastener element 6 (not shown). Lace segments 7a and 8 may be fastened together to form lace segment 11 by any means offastening 12, such as by use of a gripper, staple, or the like. Lacesegments 7 a and 8 may also be bonded together to form lace segment 11,which may be or may appear to be formed from a unitary lace segment, asshown in FIG. 20.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 19 but wherein thefastening apparatus comprises one lace, one end of which is threadedthrough second fastener element 9, forming lace segments 7′ and 8, andthe other end of which is threaded through the top eyelet on the secondside of the adjustable gap, forming lace segments 7″ and 7 a, andwherein the distal ends of lace segments 7 a and 8 are connected at thebottom side of the adjustable gap, forming a new lace segment 11. Inaddition, the two open ends of the lace, namely lace segments 7′ and 7″,are fastened together with a knot 10 that is situated in the regionbetween the second fastening element 9 and the top eyelet on the secondside of the adjustable gap, in place of lace segment 7.

For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the firstside of the shoe, causing contraction between the first side and thesecond side of the adjustable gap through tension on lace segments 7′,7″, 7 a, 8 and 11, and fastened to fastener element 6, as shown in FIG.22. When fastener element 9 is fastened to fastener element 6, knot 10is generally situated within the shoe-access-opening of the shoe, as itis on standard laced shoes.

Reference is now made to FIG. 23, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, wherein the fastening apparatuscomprises a single lace that is threaded through second fastener element9, forming lace segments 7 and 8, which extend from second fastenerelement 9 to the second side of the adjustable gap. According to oneembodiment of the present invention both the second side and the firstside of the adjustable gap comprise two eyelets, a top eyelet and abottom eyelet, and the distal ends of both lace segments 7 and 8 areattached to the first side of the adjustable gap. In this embodiment,the distal end of lace segment 7 is still affixed to the bottom eyeleton the first side of the adjustable gap, but the distal end of lacesegment 8 passes through the bottom eyelet on the second side andextends from the second side to the first side of the adjustable gap,forming lace segment 8 a, which is attached to top eyelet on the firstside of the adjustable gap. For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9is pulled towards the first side of the adjustable gap, causingcontraction between the first side and the second side of the adjustablegap through tension on lace segments 7, 8, 7 a and 8 a, and fastened tofastener element 6.

Reference is now made to FIG. 24, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 7 but wherein thefastening apparatus comprises one lace that is threaded through secondfastener element 9, forming lace segments 7 and 8, and wherein thesecond side of the adjustable gap comprises three eyelets and the firstside comprises two eyelets. In this embodiment, lace segments 7 and 8extend from second fastener element 9 and through the top and middleeyelets in the second side of the adjustable gap, respectively, to thefirst side of the adjustable gap, forming segments 7 a and 8 a, whichbridge the adjustable gap. The distal end of lace segment 8 a isattached to the bottom eyelet of the first side. Lace segment 7 a isthreaded through the top eyelet of the first side and extends back fromthe first side to the second side, forming segment 7 b, which bridgesthe adjustable gap, and the distal end of lace segment 7 b is attachedto the bottom eyelet of the second side.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, for fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 ispulled towards the first side of the shoe, causing contraction betweenthe first side and the second side of the adjustable gap through tensionon lace segments 7, 8, 7 a, 7 b, and 8 a. By fastening fastener element9 to fastener element 6, the contraction is retained.

Reference is now made to FIG. 26, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG.24, but wherein thefastening apparatus comprises two laces, one of which is threadedthrough (or fastened to) second fastener element 9, forming lacesegments 7′ and 8. In addition, the two open ends of the lace, namelylace segments 7′ and 7″, are fastened together with a knot 10 that issituated in the region between the second fastening element 9 and thetop eyelet on the second side of the adjustable gap, in place of lacesegment 7. For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towardsthe first side of the shoe, causing contraction between the first sideand the second side of the adjustable gap through tension on lacesegments 7′, 7″, 7 a, 7 b, 8 and 8 a, and fastened to fastener element 6(not shown). When fastener element 9 is fastened to fastener element 6,knot 10 is generally situated within the shoe-access-opening of theshoe, as it is on standard laced shoes.

Reference is now made to FIG. 27, which shows an alternative embodimentof present invention, similar to FIG. 26, but wherein the distal ends oflace segments 7 b and 8 a are connected to each other near the closedbottom side of the adjustable gap, forming a new lace segment 11. Inthis embodiment, the two open ends of the lace, namely lace segments 7′and 7″, are tied together with a knot 10 that is situated in the regionbetween second fastening element 9 and the top eyelet on the second sideof the adjustable gap. For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9 ispulled towards the first side of the shoe, causing contraction betweenthe first side and the second side of the adjustable gap through tensionon lace segments 7′, 7″, 8, 7 a, 7 b, 8 a, and 11, and fastened tofastener element 6, as shown in FIG. 28.

Reference is now made to FIG. 29, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 10 but wherein thefastening apparatus comprises a single lace that is threaded throughsecond fastener element 9, forming lace segments 7 and 8, and whereinthe second side of the adjustable gap comprises four eyelets and thefirst side of the adjustable gap comprises three eyelets. The two lacesegments 7 and 8 extend from second fastener element 9 and through thetop and second eyelets in the second side, respectively, across to thefirst side, forming segments 7 a and 8 a, which bridge the adjustablegap. Lace segment 7 a is threaded through the top eyelet of the firstside, and extends from the first side back to the second side, formingsegment 7 b. Segment 7 b is threaded through the third eyelet from thetop on the second side, and extends again to the first side, forminglace segment 7 c, and the distal end of lace 7 c is attached to thefirst side of the adjustable gap. Lace segment 8 a is threaded throughan eyelet on the first side, and extends from the first side back to thesecond side, forming segment 8 b, and the distal end of lace 8 b isattached to the second side of the adjustable gap. For fastening theshoe, fastener element 9 is pulled towards the first side of the shoe,causing contraction between the first side and the second side of theadjustable gap through tension on lace segments 7, 8, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 8 aand 8 b. By fastening fastener element 9 to fastener element 6, thecontraction is retained (not shown).

Reference is now made to FIG. 30, which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 29, but wherein thefastening apparatus comprises two laces, one of which is threadedthrough second fastener element 9, forming lace segments 7′ and 8. Inaddition, the two open ends of the lace, namely lace segments 7′ and 7″,are fastened together with a knot 10 that is situated in the regionbetween the second fastening element 9 and the top eyelet on the secondside of the adjustable gap. For fastening the shoe, fastener element 9is pulled towards the first side of the shoe, causing contractionbetween the first side and the second side of the adjustable gap throughtension on lace segments 7′, 7″, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 8, 8 a, and 8 b, andfastened to fastener element 6 (not shown).

Reference is now made to FIG. 31, which shows an alternative embodimentof present invention, similar to FIG. 30, but wherein the fasteningapparatus comprises one lace, and wherein the second side of theadjustable gap comprises four eyelets and the first side of theadjustable gap comprises three eyelets, but wherein the distal ends oflace segments 7 c and 8 b are connected to each other near the closedbottom side of the adjustable gap, forming a new lace segment 11. Inthis embodiment, the two open ends of the lace, namely lace segments 7′and 7″, are fastened together with a knot 10 that is situated in theregion between the second fastening element 9 and the top eyelet on thesecond side of the adjustable gap. For fastening the shoe, fastenerelement 9 is pulled towards the first side of the shoe, causingcontraction between the first side and the second side of the adjustablegap through tension on lace segments 7′, 7″, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 8, 8 a, 8 band 11, and fastened to fastener element 6, as shown in FIG. 31.

It should be borne in mind that the drawings are not rendered in actualscale so that certain features of the invention can be brought out anddepicted.

The drawings and the foregoing description are not intended to representthe only form of the invention in regard to the details of thisconstruction and manner of operation. In fact, it will be evident to oneskilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made withoutdelimiting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although specificterms have been employed, they are intended in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of theinvention being delineated in the following claims.

1. A fastening apparatus for a shoe comprising: an adjustable gapdefined in the instep area of a shoe, the adjustable gap of the shoeincluding a first side, a second side, a bottom side, and an open topside; a fastener comprising at least two mating elements, a firstelement and a second element, wherein said first fastener element isattached to said first side of the adjustable gap; and at least onelace, said at least one lace having two ends that are fastened togetherbetween said second fastening element and said second side of saidadjustable gap; wherein said at least one lace is threaded through anopening in said second fastener element, forming at least one lacesegment that extends from said second fastener element to said secondside of said adjustable gap; wherein at least one lace segment extendsfrom said second side of said adjustable gap to said first side thereof;wherein by pulling said second fastener element towards said first sideof the adjustable gap, said adjustable gap is caused to contract betweensaid first side and said second side; and wherein by attaching saidsecond fastener element to said first fastener element said contractionis retained.
 2. A fastening apparatus for a shoe according to claim 1,wherein said two ends of said at least one lace are fastened together bya knot.
 3. A fastening apparatus for a shoe according to claim 2,wherein, when said second fastener element is attached to said firstfastener element, said knot is situated within said open top side ofsaid adjustable gap.
 4. A fastening apparatus for a shoe according toclaim 1, and wherein said at least one lace comprises two laces, andwherein said two laces are fastened together at a first end of each lacebetween said second fastening element and said second side of saidadjustable gap and at a second end of each lace near a bottom region ofsaid adjustable gap.
 5. A fastening apparatus for a shoe according toclaim 4, wherein the first ends of said laces are fastened together by aknot.
 6. A fastening apparatus for a shoe according to claim 4, whereinthe second ends of said laces are bonded together at the bottom of theadjustable gap to form an elongated lace.
 7. A fastening apparatus for ashoe according to claim 1, wherein at least one lace segment extendsback from said first side of said adjustable gap to said second side ofsaid adjustable gap.
 8. A fastening apparatus for a shoe according toclaim 7, wherein at least one lace segment extends again from saidsecond side of said adjustable gap to said first side of said adjustablegap.
 9. A fastening apparatus for a shoe according to claim 1, wherein afirst end of said lace extends from a segment of said lace that isthreaded through said opening in said second fastener element, and asecond end of said lace extends from a segment of said lace that extendsfrom said second side of said adjustable gap to said first side thereof.